AKP Phnom Penh, May 3, 2011 –

The Royal Government of Cambodia has strategized for a malaria-free status for the country by 2025, said Health Minister Mam Bunheng when chairing the opening of the Annual Conference of Malaria Control Activities on Apr. 29.

“Given the said commitment, the Royal Government of Cambodia has been trying to mobilize national and international resources. An indispensable approach to achieve the commitment is a meaningful participation from all relevant stakeholders,” added H.E. Dr. Mam Bunheng.

It is expected to totally eliminate malaria parasite resistant to medication by 2015 and to see no more falciparum malaria and dead cases of the disease by 2020 in a manner that 5 years later there will be no longer malaria cases in Cambodia.

Cambodia witnessed 35 percent decrease of malaria case in the country in 2010 compared to 2009. While 69,280 cases of malaria were reported in 2009 with 209 deaths, there were 44,659 cases of the disease reported in 2010 with 135 deaths.

According to the Director of the National Center for Malaria Control Dr. Duong Socheat, the overall decreasing rate of malaria cases in Cambodia indicates the effectiveness of the protection interventions.

Increasing public awareness leading to positive behavior change about malaria prevention and treatment and their utilization of treated mosquito nets against malaria are among primary interventions mentioned.